1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 BMW 525
To start off, 1990 BMW 525 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1990 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2770 mm |
